togavirus

noun

to·​ga·​vi·​rus ˈtō-gə-ˌvī-rəs 

: any of a family (Togaviridae) of single-stranded RNA viruses that have a spherical virion and include the causative agents of German measles and the three forms of equine encephalitis

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, from Latin toga toga + New Latin virus

First Known Use

1970, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

togavirus

noun

to·​ga·​vi·​rus ˈtō-gə-ˌvī-rəs 

: any of the family Togaviridae of RNA viruses including the causative agents of German measles and the three forms of equine encephalitis

The togaviruses exist in geographically limited habitats in which specific mosquitoes and vertebrate hosts play roles in virus survival, geographic extension, overwintering, and amplification.

—Frederick A. Murphy et al., Veterinary Virology, 3rd edition